Our Story

Bare Foot Gymnastics & Montessori is a true family legacy that began in 1994 with Ashley’s parents, Cathy and Barney.

When Cathy and Barney moved their family from Boise, Idaho to St. George, Utah, two of their six children were actively involved in gymnastics. At the time, there were no gymnastics facilities in St. George. One day, Barney looked at Cathy and said, “Man, I wish the kids could go to gymnastics again!” Cathy’s response was simple but powerful: “Let’s build a gym.” And just like that, the idea for Bare Foot was born.

Their children were raised not only in the gym but also within the Montessori environment and philosophy—learning independence, responsibility, and a love for growth from an early age. Their daughter Ashley went on to become a Level 10 gymnast, growing up fully immersed in both gymnastics and Montessori education.

Ashley later married Caleb Phillips, whose passion for gymnastics and coaching led him to serve as an NCAA Assistant Coach for women’s gymnastics at Southern Utah University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Washington. During their time in Washington, Ashley and Caleb began thinking deeply about their own children’s education and long-term security.

That reflection led to a pivotal decision—Ashley and Caleb would return to St. George to help run the gym and school, continuing the family mission.

Caleb began coaching at Bare Foot in 2001, while Ashley stepped into the role of Montessori Director. Together, they continued to grow Bare Foot into the thriving gymnastics and Montessori community it is today.

In the past year, Cathy and Barney stepped away from daily operations to serve a mission in Hungary—leaving Bare Foot in the hands of the next generation, grounded in the same values it was built on.



Ashley and Caleb are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the St. George community and look forward to many more years of supporting children and families through movement, education, and purpose.